Plot and Events
Where is Rashad when the police accuse him of stealing?
At Jerry’s convenience store
Who is the artist who often spends time drawing in his sketchbook?
Rashad
The novel alternates between two narrators. Who are they?
Rashad & Quinn
What major social issue is the story centered around?
Racial profiling/police brutality
“Just trying to get a bag of chips, man.”
Rashad
What is Rashad actually trying to do when the altercation begins?
Take his phone out of his pocket
What is the name of the police officer who beats Rashad?
Paul
Rashad’s chapters focus mainly on what experience in the first 100 pages?
Recovering in the hospital after the assault
What symbol represents Rashad’s identity and passion?
His sketchbook
“What if I don’t want to be like you?”
Quinn (thinking about Paul)
What group does Rashad join to at school?
ROTC
Which character looks up to Paul like a big brother?
Quinn
Which character struggles with loyalty vs. justice in their POV? How?
Quinn
What theme topic does Quinn confront as he questions Paul’s actions?
Bystander vs. upstander / moral courage
“You need to learn how to follow orders.”
Paul
Where is Quinn when he witnesses Rashad getting beaten?
Outside the store with his friends
Which friend tells Rashad, “Don’t let people read you wrong”?
English
Whose chapter begins the novel?
Rashad’s
What phrase becomes important in the early chapters?
“Rashad is absent again today.”
“This is not how we treat people.”
Could be Quinn questioning Paul / or a teacher speaking out — accept context
Why does Quinn leave the scene instead of helping?
He is scared and confused because Paul is like family
Who owns Jerry’s convenience store?
Jerry
Why do the different POVs matter in the story?
They show how the same event affects people differently / challenge one-sided narratives
How does media coverage contribute to the theme of truth vs. perception?
People form opinions before knowing the facts
“I’m not about to just shut up and take it.”
Rashad, reflecting on the injustice